Sunday, October 3, 2010
Coaching 10 & Unders: SCS Fall Kick-Off Clinic & ASCA 2010 World Clinic
I really loved doing this particular talk at the ASCA World Clinic, however, I seemed to drop the ball at the SCS Fall Kick-Off Clinic as the presentation itself was poorly executed. Nevertheless, I feel there are great things to see here and I hope it will help all of you get a great idea of what coaching these kids is all about. Also, take a look at the video that went with this presentation. You can find it here posted on Friday September 10th!
Age Group Season Planning: SCS Fall Kick-Off Clinic
This talk was my least favorite in preparation but I seemed to fly right through it with enthusiasm at the clinic and found myself really enjoying it. For some reason, I felt more confidence in this presentation and I thought I nailed the execution. Thanks for sticking around for this one!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New Season, New Opportunities - something for the kids...and the coaches
New Season, New Opportunities
What happens when a new season starts? New coach? New friends? New time? New Lanes? New workouts? New age group? You can’t control these things. So, what can you control? What about a new YOU?
With new seasons come new opportunities. So, the real question you should be asking is, “What do I want this season?”
Take the time to think about what you really want as a swimmer. This new season is a new chance to accomplish your goals. Take advantage of it. If you couldn’t get that J.O. cut last season, do it this season. If you couldn’t clean up that butterfly like you planned, do it this season. Set your new goals early and make sure they are BIG. Nothing great was ever accomplished by thinking small.
Write down your top 3 goals for this season. Having trouble…Just think about WHAT YOU REALLY WANT….and write it down.
1.
2.
3.
How do we accomplish our goals? Well, the first part is done. You have thought about what you want and you wrote it down. Now, get to practice and make it happen. Most age group goals are performance based. That means everything you want can be worked for AT PRACTICE. That is the key…Understanding that practice performance is directly connected to meet performance. Work hard to improve your strokes at practice-see better technique at swim meets. Work hard to push yourself past your comfort zone at practice-see your endurance and speed improve at swim meets. Work hard to do the things your coach asks of you at practice-see your confidence go up and your times go down at swim meets. In many cases it is that simple.
This is just the beginning. So, enjoy each practice and every swim meet regardless of the outcome. If things don’t go your way, identify your mistakes and learn from them.
I’ll see you out there.
Coach Bryan
What happens when a new season starts? New coach? New friends? New time? New Lanes? New workouts? New age group? You can’t control these things. So, what can you control? What about a new YOU?
With new seasons come new opportunities. So, the real question you should be asking is, “What do I want this season?”
Take the time to think about what you really want as a swimmer. This new season is a new chance to accomplish your goals. Take advantage of it. If you couldn’t get that J.O. cut last season, do it this season. If you couldn’t clean up that butterfly like you planned, do it this season. Set your new goals early and make sure they are BIG. Nothing great was ever accomplished by thinking small.
Write down your top 3 goals for this season. Having trouble…Just think about WHAT YOU REALLY WANT….and write it down.
1.
2.
3.
How do we accomplish our goals? Well, the first part is done. You have thought about what you want and you wrote it down. Now, get to practice and make it happen. Most age group goals are performance based. That means everything you want can be worked for AT PRACTICE. That is the key…Understanding that practice performance is directly connected to meet performance. Work hard to improve your strokes at practice-see better technique at swim meets. Work hard to push yourself past your comfort zone at practice-see your endurance and speed improve at swim meets. Work hard to do the things your coach asks of you at practice-see your confidence go up and your times go down at swim meets. In many cases it is that simple.
This is just the beginning. So, enjoy each practice and every swim meet regardless of the outcome. If things don’t go your way, identify your mistakes and learn from them.
I’ll see you out there.
Coach Bryan
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Suggested Reading: 365 Ways To Raise Confident Kids
At the clinic I had mentioned a great book but couldn't remember the name. Here it is: 365 Ways To Raise Confident Kids. By Sheila Ellison & Barbara Ann Barnett "Offers imaginative ways to raise healthy, happy families.". "A great source for parents and educators. The book helps children build character and promote positive self-esteem. The ideas, activities and suggestions are invaluable.". Most of the ideas in the book can easily be translated into coaching opportunities. Check it out!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Thanks For the Support at ASCA World Clinic 2010
I would like to take the time to thank all of the amazing coaches that attended the clinic last week. I was lucky enough to share ideas with some great coaches out there and I am confident that I left a much better coach because of it. The purpose behind these clinics is not only to hear what some of the best coaches in the world are doing but to network with the thousands of other coaches that are passionate about developing young athletes. I encourage all of you to continue to comment and share your ideas here on this blog site or create your own. Keep up the communication! Thanks!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Smart Use of Your Assistant Coaches Can Be Extremely Beneficial
I'm not one to ask for help at swim meets. But with 40-50 kids at one meet, it sure sounds like a good idea, especially if you know how to use your assistants wisely.
Right before Junior Olympics my assistant coach asked if I needed help at the big meet. I responded the way I always do in this situation by saying, "No thanks. I have it covered". She convinced me that she would be able to help, even if it was just to get me breakfast. Well, by the end of the first day, I was convinced that I will never go without an assistant to a championship meet again.
Before I explain how I was able to take advantage of my assistant I should explain a little about how 9-10 year olds warm up for their races. First they get in the water, usually 40 minutes to an hour too early. Second, they splash around for 2 laps and get out. Third, they walk over to their friends and family, dripping wet from head to toe and wait. And finally, they step up to the block cold and unprepared. Now, not all my swimmers do this, but most of them do very little to actually warm up despite numerous attempts to teach and educate them on the proper ways to warm up and the reasoning behind it.
So, I have always wanted to do more controlled warm ups for my kids individual races, similar to the meet warm up where I can see who is ready and who is not and take preemptive action to assure they have their head on straight before they compete. I decided that, with hours between races, they needed to be thoroughly prepared and warmed up appropriately. This is where my assistant came in and truly became the secrete weapon for my athletes. I had her completely in charge of the timing to all their warm ups and making sure they were doing exactly what was necessary to ensure a successful race. The kids responded clearly and positively to this course of action. It was apparent that our 10 and under athletes were far more prepared and confident than their competition for prelims, finals, and throughout the entire week long meet.
I know that our main goal as coaches is to prepare our kids for independence within this sport and I feel like what we did at this meet was absolutely right in line with that goal. However, I am a die hard believer in allowing these young kids to make mistakes in order to teach valuable lessons. I just don't think a championship meet is the place to let them falter when they could be learning great lessons of accomplishment and success.
I myself learned a valuable lesson: Don't be afraid to use your assistants or ask for help because it can be hugely beneficial to you and your athletes!
Right before Junior Olympics my assistant coach asked if I needed help at the big meet. I responded the way I always do in this situation by saying, "No thanks. I have it covered". She convinced me that she would be able to help, even if it was just to get me breakfast. Well, by the end of the first day, I was convinced that I will never go without an assistant to a championship meet again.
Before I explain how I was able to take advantage of my assistant I should explain a little about how 9-10 year olds warm up for their races. First they get in the water, usually 40 minutes to an hour too early. Second, they splash around for 2 laps and get out. Third, they walk over to their friends and family, dripping wet from head to toe and wait. And finally, they step up to the block cold and unprepared. Now, not all my swimmers do this, but most of them do very little to actually warm up despite numerous attempts to teach and educate them on the proper ways to warm up and the reasoning behind it.
So, I have always wanted to do more controlled warm ups for my kids individual races, similar to the meet warm up where I can see who is ready and who is not and take preemptive action to assure they have their head on straight before they compete. I decided that, with hours between races, they needed to be thoroughly prepared and warmed up appropriately. This is where my assistant came in and truly became the secrete weapon for my athletes. I had her completely in charge of the timing to all their warm ups and making sure they were doing exactly what was necessary to ensure a successful race. The kids responded clearly and positively to this course of action. It was apparent that our 10 and under athletes were far more prepared and confident than their competition for prelims, finals, and throughout the entire week long meet.
I know that our main goal as coaches is to prepare our kids for independence within this sport and I feel like what we did at this meet was absolutely right in line with that goal. However, I am a die hard believer in allowing these young kids to make mistakes in order to teach valuable lessons. I just don't think a championship meet is the place to let them falter when they could be learning great lessons of accomplishment and success.
I myself learned a valuable lesson: Don't be afraid to use your assistants or ask for help because it can be hugely beneficial to you and your athletes!
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